Purpose: :
To develop an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope(AOSLO) that uses a supercontinuum laser and a custom builtavalanche photodiodes (APD) with enhanced near-infrared (IR)spectral responsivity, and to apply this instrument to studythe spectroscopic reflectance of the cone photoreceptors.

Methods: :
A quasi continuous wave (CW) single mode supercontinuum laser(NKT Photonics A/S, Denmark) that provides light over a spectralrange of 500 - 2400 nm was employed as the light source forthe AOSLO. A programmable dual-channel acousto-optical tunablefilter (AOTF) was used to either continuously tune a singlewavelength or simultaneously select multiple wavelengths overthe spectral range of 500-1100 nm. The light was fed into theAOSLO through ultra-broadband single mode crystal fibers. Acustom APD module with 20 MHz bandwidth, enhanced responsivityin the near-IR region and 4 mm2 active area was developed forphoton detection.

Results: :
Through the AOTF, crystal fiber and AOSLO optics, the broadbandlight source was able to deliver light with adequate power atany specific wavelength over 500 - 1100 nm to the eye, thus,allowing the retina to be imaged with high quality. The newAPD detector presented robust spectral response over the spectralrange 500 - 1060 nm; in particular, at 1060 nm, the APD demonstratedsuperior performance compared with other photodetector options.We have obtained high-resolution spectral retinal images ina living macaque eye.

Conclusions: :
The AOSLO, with only one broadband light source and a custom-madeAPD detector, was able to acquire a full range of spectral retinalimages in the living eye. In-vivo study of the spectral reflectanceof the photoreceptors and other retinal structures is underway.